Facebook launched their new layout in stages across the world.  Whilst many have ridiculed the change, which is often the case when people face change, many have also praised the change.  Myself being one of them.

I believe the latest change is a case of form follows function, and clearly shows that Facebook are moving more towards making the site easier and more accessible.  With the new changes, I find everything is on one page, and find myself doing less navigation around the page.  With normal human behaviour, we read left to right.  Previously the notifications, which generally are the first things we look for, were located in the bottom right, the very last thing you read.  That annoyed me, so I am very happy to see that they have now moved the notifications to the top left of the screen, being the first part of the page you see and read.  Perhaps not too noticeable at first though, but once you know they are there, you will see the benefit.

Other things that have changed include the news feed.  Before it had News Feed and Live Feed and in my mind I cannot fathom the use of the News Feed as the updates were simply not in any order, neither by time nor by popularity.  With the new additions, you get Top News which is the most active updates and Most Recent which is clearly the latest posts and updates from your friends.  much more simpler.

Under the new “Account” tab at the top, you will find all links to profile settings and information, providing much better access to this once reasonably well-hidden information.  Also, on the left pane, you will notice a direct link to your profile.

Overall I think the new design is great, it may not look like an award design, but that is not Facebook’s intention nor purpose. If you don’t like Facebook’s design, head on over to MySpace and see how well their design works.  Let’s face it, it actually doesn’t matter in the least what Facebook looks like, because the reality is that you simply won’t stop using it.  You love it too much.  You’re addicted.  And the way it works, well, it simply works and achieves exactly what it set out to do.  To make sure they you keep up to date with the goings on in your friends’ lives.